Closing Assist Tailgate, w124 wagon problem
 

Well, actually the closing assist on our 95 e320 wagon works fine, but the interior lights in the back do not turn off when the gate is shut. I don't think it is switches in the rear doors because I have swapped these. How are the rear lights turned on and off when the tailgate is opened / closed?

Also, the rear lock on the gate stopped actuating all the other door locks. It still locks and unlocks the rear gate, plus it turns the alarm on and off, it just doesn't make all the other doors lock and unlock. Any ideas?

Rear compartment lights
There's a 3 position switch in the top row of switches in the center console.

Tail gate locking other doors
Vacuum line inside tailgate probably bad.

Bob

To elaborate a little further:

The 3-position switch on the center console (top right hand side -switch nearest to the front passenger):

Top position: Lights on only when tailgate or rear doors open.

Center position: Lights constantly off regardless of tailgate or doors state (open/close).

Bottom position: Lights constantly on regardless of tailgate or doors state.

Sounds like wiring harness to rear hatch is falling apart. Problem will be at driver's side hinge.

I understand about the switch on the dash--I have to leave it in the always off position or the rear lights will stay lit all the time. I am wondering why in the 'auto' position they stay on with all doors closed.

Everything in the rear gate looks brand new (I have had the panel off) but I will open the rubber gaiter and see if harness is OK. Keep in mind all electrics in the rear gate (hi center brake, plate lights, rear wiper, rear defrost, and alarm on / off work fine. Also, If I use one of the front door locks the rear lock operates normally. It is only if I use the key in the rear lock to lock or unlock then the rest of the doors don't work.

It's a quirky thing: All Mercedes have these problems. My tailgate doesn't stay up on cold days!

Time to get some tailgate struts. I was tired of having the tailgate come down unexpectedly on my head. It worked okay when it was warmer, but when it gets cold, the struts didn't work. Found OEM replacements on eBay.